Product Description

Drug Name

Tenormin (Atenolol)

Drug Uses

Tenormin is prescribed for patients with high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat chest pain (angina pectoris) related to coronary artery disease. Tenormin is also useful in slowing and regulating certain types of abnormally rapid heart rates (tachycardias). Other uses for tenormin include the prevention of migraine headaches and the treatment of certain types of tremors (familial or hereditary essential tremors).

How Taken

Should be taken before meals or at bedtime.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tenormin is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Tenormin blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system, a portion of the involuntary nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the pace of the heart beat. By blocking the action of these nerves, tenormin reduces the heart rate and is useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Tenormin also reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate and the force of muscle contraction, tenormin reduces heart muscle oxygen demand. Since angina occurs when oxygen demand of the heart exceeds supply, tenormin is helpful in treating angina.

Missed Dose

Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take as soon as you remember if it is more than 8 hours before the next dose is due. If it is less than 8 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.